Sheriff’s Officials Seek More Victims of Online Vehicle Rental Scam

Authorities are looking for more possible victims of a scheme involving online vehicle rentals sold via Facebook Marketplace to unsuspecting victims for cash, sheriff’s officials said Monday.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, three male suspects were arrested Feb. 21 during an ongoing investigation.

The suspects allegedly manufactured cloned keys and fictitious DMV paperwork for each rental vehicle, which they would provide to buyers at the time of purchase. Once the transaction was completed, the suspects would follow the victims, steal the vehicle and return it to the rental host, authorities said.

The incidents took place in multiple counties throughout Southern California.

The LASD said the Taskforce for Regional Auto theft Prevention is looking for additional victims who may have purchased a vehicle from the suspects. Anyone with relevant information was asked to contact the task force at 800-299-TRAP (8727).

Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 800- 222-TIPS (8477), or visit http://lacrimestoppers.org.